Feeding Your Lawn

Tips for a healthier, greener lawn

Just as we require food to survive, so does your lawn! We recommend fertilizing your lawn four times per year. More fertilizer may be required in areas of heavy traffic, where heavy watering is practiced and/or where grass clippings are removed.

Lawn fertilizers contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The numbers on each bag of fertilizer indicate the percentage of each of these plant nutrients. For example, a 20-5-10 label indicates the bag contains 20 percent nitrogen, 5 percent phosphorous, and 10 percent potassium and the N-P-K ratio is 4-1-2.

Every fertilizer bag label gives specific application rates. Always follow fertilizer bag instructions carefully. To ensure even coverage, apply half of the required amount in perpendicular directions. NEVER apply fertilizer when the grass is wet. Avoid fertilizing during periods of drought, high temperatures and stress. Apply before a rain or water fertilizer, if possible.